Margaret Trudeau
AuthorAdvocate
Canada
Margaret Trudeau is a Canadian public figure and mental-health advocate who first became widely known as the wife of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. She later became an author and public speaker, drawing extensively on her own experience with bipolar disorder in her advocacy work. [5]
Career and work
Margaret Trudeau first became widely known in the 1970s during her marriage to Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Over the following decades, she developed a public career as a writer and speaker. [5]
She is the author of four books, including Changing My Mind, a memoir about her life and experience with bipolar disorder, and The Time of Your Life, which focuses on aging and well-being. She also co-wrote and performed the one-woman stage show A Woman of a Certain Age. [5]
In later years, much of Trudeau’s public work has focused on speaking about mental health and sharing her experience with bipolar disorder. [7]
What has been publicly discussed
Sources and other resourcesExpand to view the sources used in this profile and resources to learn more.
Sources used for this profile
The following sources contain information that supports the claims made on this page.
University of Toronto MississaugaMargaret Trudeau shares the highs and lows of her mental health journey Supports Trudeau’s account of depression, mania, eventual bipolar diagnosis, initial resistance to the diagnosis, and later decision to speak publicly.
University of Toronto ScarboroughMargaret Trudeau delivers keynote address on mental wellness Covers Trudeau’s severe depression following her son Michel’s death, psychiatric hospitalization, cognitive behavioural therapy and her later understanding of recovery.
Speakers’ SpotlightMargaret Trudeau on living with bipolar disorder Supports Trudeau’s descriptions of treatment, recovery and the role of medication, therapy and support in maintaining stability.
View all 8 sources
Speakers’ SpotlightMargaret Trudeau on overcoming mental illness and devastating loss Supports Trudeau’s description of recovery as an ongoing process and is the source for the profile quotation.
Speakers’ SpotlightMargaret Trudeau Provides biographical and career information, including her books, public speaking and mental-health advocacy.
BiographyCanadian Mental Health Association, BC DivisionHonorary Patrons Documents Trudeau’s mental-health advocacy and public role in supporting awareness and reducing stigma.
Canadian Psychiatric AssociationCanadian Psychiatric Association Changing My MindChanging My Mind
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Recommended books and other resources about Margaret Trudeau and their experiences.
- Changing My MindBook · Margaret Trudeau
Trudeau’s memoir about her public life, family, grief and her experience with bipolar disorder, including diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
- The Time of Your LifeBook · Margaret Trudeau
A later book focused on aging, resilience and well-being, drawing partly on Trudeau’s own experiences with mental health and major life changes.
- Margaret Trudeau on Living with Bipolar DisorderVideo interview · Speakers’ Spotlight
A video interview in which Trudeau discusses mania, depression, treatment and the process of rebuilding stability.
- Margaret Trudeau on Overcoming Mental Illness and Devastating LossInterview · Speakers’ Spotlight
A later interview focused on grief, bipolar disorder, recovery and her perspective on maintaining mental health over time.